Slovenia 5.0 – Time for a New Development Model

The Industry 5.0 Institute has prepared a strategic document titled “A New Development Model Slovenia 5.0: From Industry 5.0 to Society 5.0”.

The purpose of this initiative is to spark a broad debate about Slovenia’s future and to encourage cooperation among key stakeholders in shaping a new development paradigm.

Our aim is to bring policymakers, businesses, research institutions, educational organizations, and the wider society together to design a model that will ensure faster, more sustainable, and inclusive progress for Slovenia.

The strategic document “New Development Model Slovenia 5.0: From Industry 5.0 to Society 5.0” can be downloaded by clicking on this link.
It is also available below.

The urgency for change was highlighted in December 2024, when the Council for Development of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SAZU) and the Engineering Academy of Slovenia (IAS) organized a high-level roundtable entitled “Why is Slovenia lagging behind comparable EU countries?”.

The conclusion of this discussion was clear: Slovenia needs significantly higher economic growth and, above all, a new development model that will raise productivity, boost investment in innovation and advanced technologies, accelerate the transfer of knowledge from universities and institutes into companies, and improve the quality of education.

It was also emphasized that Slovenia must reduce capital outflows abroad, manage public funds and state assets more efficiently, and reform its system of incentives and subsidies.

At the Industry 5.0 Institute, we believe the time has come for a decisive shift. Slovenia must start thinking more broadly and holistically – not only about growth but also about the quality of life and long-term sustainability.

At the core of this new model is the human being, knowledge, and community, with technology serving as a tool to strengthen social resilience and economic competitiveness. Industry 5.0 goes beyond digitalization and automation: it is about ensuring that artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things, and digital twins serve people, communities, and nature.

One of the key proposals in the document is the establishment of the National Competence Center for Industry 5.0. This center would act as the main platform for connecting businesses, researchers, and educational institutions.

Its mission would be to provide training for new skills, design future-oriented educational programs, and accelerate the transfer of knowledge into practice. In this way, Slovenia would secure a solid foundation for developing the workforce capable of meeting the challenges of tomorrow.

The document also foresees the creation of an Innovation Fund for Industry 5.0, designed to provide financial support to companies and research teams working on breakthrough solutions.

The fund would enable faster financing of pilot projects, encourage stronger collaboration between business and research sectors, and attract greater investment in domestic innovation. The goal is to ensure that Slovenia’s best ideas are realized and scaled locally, rather than moving abroad.

Slovenia 5.0 also envisions a shift toward a digital and green economy, where advanced digital technologies support circular use of resources, reduce emissions, and increase the resilience of companies and local communities.

To ensure transparency and accountability, the document proposes the establishment of a National Observatory for Society 5.0, an independent body that would monitor progress, assess achievements, and promote citizen participation in shaping Slovenia’s future.

Such a model delivers clear benefits across society. Citizens would enjoy a healthier environment, better quality of life, access to healthier food and connected local communities, as well as more opportunities for education and creative work.

Companies would gain competitive advantages, easier access to capital and talent, and a stronger global brand through the label “Industry 5.0 Made in Slovenia.” Regional areas would also benefit from more balanced development, reducing the concentration of innovation hubs exclusively in Ljubljana.

The Industry 5.0 Institute is aware that transformation on this scale cannot happen without collaboration. In the coming months, we will present the document to policymakers, businesses, research institutions, educational organizations, and the general public.

Our goal is to initiate a broad dialogue that leads to concrete measures and the gradual implementation of the proposed solutions.

We invite everyone who sees potential in this new development paradigm to join our efforts. Together we can create Slovenia 5.0 – a country where technology truly serves humanity, community, and nature.

For more information or to get involved, contact us at info@i5-institute.com.

The strategic document “New Development Model Slovenia 5.0: From Industry 5.0 to Society 5.0” can be downloaded by clicking on this link.
It is also available below.

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Slovenia 5.0
New development model

From Industry 5.0 to Society 5.0

July 2025

Tadej Slapnik
Lea Škrubej
Industry 5.0 Institute

1. VISION OF SLOVENIA 5.0

Slovenia with the Industry 5.0 development model towards a Society 5.0

Slovenia has set itself an ambitious but achievable goal for 2030: to become the first country in Europe to establish a comprehensive and systemically connected Industry 5.0 ecosystem – one that places people, sustainability, and social resilience at the heart of technological, economic, and social development. This transformation means more than just technological modernization of industry—it is about creating new value foundations where cooperation between people and machines, a regenerative economy, digital justice, and green development are the basic infrastructure of the future.

In this development model, Slovenia is developing Society 5.0, where technology does not replace but complements human potential. Robotics, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and digital twins are used to improve the lives of all people, from urban centers to rural areas. Industry, healthcare, education, and public services become smart, personalized, and crisis-resistant, while remaining human, ethical, and sustainable.

The building blocks of this vision include:

• A learning society: Every individual has access to knowledge, digital skills, and participation in decisions about the future of their environment.
• An inclusive economy: Small and medium-sized enterprises, cooperatives, and social enterprises become drivers of industrial innovation that respond to the real needs of communities.
• Technology at the service of ethics and nature: The development of artificial intelligence and automation is geared towards strengthening social welfare, reducing the environmental footprint, and improving quality of life.
• Circular and regenerative resource management: Production and energy systems are based on reuse, local self-sufficiency, and ecological balance.

In this context, Slovenia will become internationally recognized as a country of social excellence and a development model for the future of Europe, where the public sector, businesses, academia, and civil society coexist in symbiosis. The Slovenia 5.0 development model will be transferable and applicable to other EU member states and developing countries, as it offers concrete solutions to the climate, demographic, and digital challenges of the future.

The vision of Industry 5.0 and Society 5.0 is not just technological or economic – it is above all a vision of a better life for people in a fair, solidarity-based and sustainable society, where economic competitiveness does not exclude social justice and protection of the planet.

2. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES (2026–2030)

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 1: Slovenia – a leading country in Industry 5.0 in the EU by 2030

By 2030, Slovenia has set itself the strategic goal of becoming a leading country in the European Union in the field of Industry 5.0. This means a complete transition from the current Industry 4.0 model to a more advanced, human and environmentally friendly model that is not based solely on automation and efficiency, but above all on cooperation between people and technology, sustainability, local resilience, and high added value in manufacturing and service activities.

To achieve this goal, Slovenia will establish three regional hubs (HUBs) Industry 5.0 (in the east, central Slovenia, and the west) – which will serve as spaces for experimentation, cooperation, and co-creation of solutions between companies, research institutions, the public sector, educational institutions, and civil society. Each HUB will have its own specialization: central Slovenia will focus on digital and artificial intelligence technologies, eastern Slovenia on the transformation of the manufacturing industry and workforce education, and western Slovenia on the circular economy, logistics, and regenerative practices. The total investment in these HUBs will amount to approximately €150 million, combined from European funds, national resources, and private investments.

Another important element will be the development of the “Company 5.0” certification system, which will serve as a tool for measuring and promoting the progress of companies in their transition to the new operating model. The certificate will be awarded to companies that demonstrate progress in digital transformation, employee involvement in decision-making, reduction of their environmental footprint, and ethical use of artificial intelligence. Certified companies will be eligible for tax breaks, priority access to public tenders, and integration into European value chains.

Special emphasis will be placed on developing a national strategy for artificial intelligence and robotics that works with humans. In cooperation with the Jožef Stefan Institute, the Institute for Industry 5.0, the Naprej Institute, universities (UL, UM, UP), DIH Slovenia, and other stakeholders, Slovenia will develop a framework for the development of ethical, transparent, and human-friendly artificial intelligence. By 2030, at least 100 pilot cases of artificial intelligence use will be implemented in various sectors (industry, healthcare, public administration), with an emphasis on social benefits and sustainable impact.

To support the transformation of knowledge and skills, a National Competence Center for Industry 5.0 will be established as an interdisciplinary platform for the education of managers, employees, policymakers, and innovators. The programs will include certified schools for sustainable transition leaders, training for the management of inclusive organizations, and specialized modules for green and digital masters of the green future. Funding will be provided by the European Social Fund and national lifelong learning programs.

At the institutional level, a platform for cooperation between the public sector and the economy will be established. In the form of a strategic council for Industry 5.0, this platform will bring together representatives of ministries, the economy, researchers, trade unions, and municipalities. Its task will be to draw up priority guidelines for investment, steer research and innovation projects, and monitor the achievement of the objectives set.

The results of these measures will be directly visible in the lives of citizens. In the field of employment, the transition will enable the creation of high-quality, green, and high-value-added jobs, particularly in advanced industries, social entrepreneurship, and new occupational profiles. The education system will become more flexible and incorporate relevant content for the future, enabling greater participation in lifelong learning. Public services will be smarter, more responsive, and tailored to individuals through the use of digital tools and artificial intelligence. Reducing the environmental footprint of industry will have a positive impact on health and quality of life, especially in urban centers. At the same time, citizens will be invited to actively participate in policy-making processes through citizen laboratories, participatory budgets, and experimental communities 5.0.

Slovenia will achieve this goal through measurable steps: participation in at least five European Industry 5.0 pilot programs, transformation of 500 companies into learning organizations, involvement of more than 1,000 citizens per year in participatory projects, annual growth in sustainable productivity of at least 3%, and international recognition by the European Commission for its role as a leading country in the transition to Society 5.0.

This will enable Slovenia not only to achieve global competitiveness, but also to contribute to a more just, cohesive, and sustainable Europe and set an example for other countries in implementing the concept of the industry and society of the future.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 2: Transforming 500 companies into learning organizations 5.0

One of the key foundations of Industry 5.0 is the learning organization—a company that continuously develops together with its employees, technology, and the environment. By 2030, Slovenia will support the transformation of at least 500 companies into learning organizations 5.0, thereby enabling a more flexible, inclusive, and sustainable industry. This transformation is key to greater competitiveness, technological sovereignty, and the resilience of the economy to future challenges.

Traditional models of management and work organization are no longer able to cope with the complexity of the modern world. Learning organizations 5.0 introduce a culture of continuous learning, team-based problem solving, employee involvement in strategic decisions, and the integration of technology with people’s values and knowledge. Such companies are becoming more innovative, sustainable, socially responsible, and more resilient to crises.

How will the transformation take place?

• Systematic support will be provided through the national program “Transformation 5.0,” which will combine training, consulting, technological upgrades, and changes in organizational culture.
• The transition model will be based on three pillars: (1) involving employees in innovation processes, (2) systemic learning in teams and organizations, and (3) digital and green transformation.
• Support will be targeted at SMEs and companies in transition, with grants, loans, and tax breaks.
• Each company will have the opportunity to collaborate with mentors, educational institutions, research centers, and HUBs 5.0.

Employees will be directly involved in shaping change, leading to greater loyalty, better motivation, and higher productivity. They will acquire new skills in sustainability, collaboration with technology, and innovative thinking, increasing their employability and development opportunities. Jobs will be of higher quality, safer, and more flexible, with less risk of burnout and exclusion.

For citizens at large, this means a more responsible and inclusive economy that creates products and services with higher added value and a smaller environmental footprint. Industry 5.0 companies will be more connected to local communities, contributing to balanced regional development and greater social cohesion.

Results and benefits for society

• Competitiveness: Increased innovation and global recognition of Slovenian companies.
• Employment: New jobs that combine technology and human creativity.
• Sustainability: Reduction of the industrial carbon footprint, greater energy efficiency.
• Social inclusion: Equal access to knowledge and participation for all groups of employees.
• Social impact: Stronger links between the economy, education, and the community.

With this goal, Slovenia will set a standard for comprehensive economic development that goes beyond the traditional understanding of productivity and focuses on people as key actors in transformation.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 3: Integrating Industry 5.0 concepts into all levels of education

Industry 5.0 is not merely a technological transition, but a cultural, ethical, and social transformation that requires a profound change in the way we think, work, and collaborate. The key to the successful implementation of this paradigm is the early and systematic integration of its concepts into all levels of the education system – from primary school to university, vocational education, and lifelong learning.

The digital, ecological, and social transformation of the future requires new knowledge, values, and competencies: interdisciplinary thinking, ethical use of technology, systemic problem solving, cooperation between people and machines, and the ability to coexist creatively with nature. Existing educational curricula and pedagogical approaches often fail to keep pace with the speed of change and focus predominantly on factual, technical, and individualistic aspects. The inclusion of Industry 5.0 concepts enables the modernization of content and approaches that prepare pupils, high school students, and university students for the society of the future.

The transformation of education will take place along four main paths:

1. Revision of primary and secondary school curricula to include topics such as: practical application of artificial intelligence, sustainable solutions, circular economy, systems thinking, digital literacy, and human-machine collaboration.
2. Establishment of experimental “Schools 5.0” in each region – these are pilot institutions that will test advanced teaching practices, project work, participatory management, and the use of technology for personal and community development.
3. Revision of higher education programmes with the introduction of compulsory modules on Industry 5.0 and Society 5.0, interdisciplinary laboratories and links with research and industrial projects.
4. Establishment of a national lifelong learning system 5.0, which will include companies, non-governmental organizations, universities for the third age, and adult education centers. Emphasis will be placed on access to digital and green skills for all generations.

Learners will gain practical, relevant, and meaningful knowledge that they can immediately apply in the real world. They will learn to collaborate, think critically, use technology ethically, and create solutions that benefit both the economy and the community. Individuals will experience greater personal engagement in education, which will increase motivation and reduce dropout rates.

For society, this means better preparation of young people for the labor market, fewer differences in access to knowledge, greater inclusion of vulnerable groups in development processes, and higher quality dialogue in a democratic society. Through inclusive education, we will build a knowledge community that is resistant to disinformation, social divisions, and the technological divide.

Expected results and benefits for society

• Upgrading the educational curriculum in at least 80% of primary and secondary schools with Industry 5.0 content.
• Training of more than 10,000 teachers and mentors in new pedagogical approaches.
• Establishment of at least 12 regional centers for lifelong learning 5.0.
• Greater employability of young people and retrained adults for the jobs of the future.
• Increased social mobility and reduced inequality in access to knowledge.

The integration of Industry 5.0 concepts into education will enable the development of generations that are technologically savvy, ethically conscious, and socially responsible—the citizens of Society 5.0.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 4: Establishing a digitally regenerative economy with a low carbon footprint

One of the central components of Industry 5.0 is the transition to a regenerative and climate-neutral economy, where digital technologies are used to preserve, restore, and balance ecological systems. Between 2026 and 2030, Slovenia will establish an economic model that is both economically competitive and environmentally responsible. A key feature of this model will be that it will not only reduce damage to the environment, but will actively contribute to its restoration through the use of data, smart infrastructure, and new business models.

Slovenia is already sensitive to climate change and has highly energy-intensive industrial sectors. Traditional measures to reduce emissions are no longer sufficient – a shift to a model that prioritizes circularity, renewability, and data-driven decision-making is urgently needed. A regenerative economy is not just about reducing damage, but about creating added value by protecting natural resources, revitalizing ecosystems, and involving communities in this transition.

The establishment of a digital-regenerative economy will be based on three systemic pathways:

Digitization of environmental processes through the introduction of digital twins, sensors, and artificial intelligence systems to monitor energy, raw material, emission, and waste consumption in real time. This will enable accurate analytics and sustainability management at the company, municipality, and regional levels.

Establishment of green industrial zones and regions with regenerative infrastructure (e.g., zero-waste factories, heat reuse systems, circular water loops). Pilot zones will be established in industrially degraded areas such as the Savinjska, Posavska, and Pomurska regions.

Promoting innovation in regenerative business models – through subsidies, research projects, and access to the national fund for digital-green transformation (EUR 200 million by 2030). Priority will be given to SMEs, cooperatives, and start-ups that introduce systemic solutions in the areas of circularity, bioeconomy, green logistics, and renewable resources.

For citizens, the digital-regenerative economy will mean a cleaner environment, healthier living, and greater energy security. Industrial areas will be revitalized with green and technologically advanced solutions, improving the quality of life in urban and rural areas. Citizens will have the opportunity to participate in local projects (e.g., energy communities, local circular markets), which will strengthen cohesion and local self-sufficiency.

At the same time, thousands of new jobs will be created in future-oriented sectors: green infrastructure, digital resource management, eco-design, and the service economy. Citizens will also be better informed and involved in monitoring impacts through open data, smart applications, and collaborative platforms.

Results and benefits for society

• Reduction of the industrial carbon footprint by at least 35% by 2030.
• Establishment of three pilot digital-regenerative industrial regions.
• Transformation of more than 1,000 companies in line with sustainability and environmental standards 5.0.
• Improvement of air, water, and soil quality in the most affected regions.
• Increasing the self-sufficiency and resilience of local communities.
• Strengthening Slovenia’s contribution to the EU’s green transition and the UN’s sustainable development goals (in particular SDGs 12, 13, and 15).

By establishing a digital-regenerative economy, Slovenia will demonstrate that industry, communities, and nature can coexist in balance—with the help of technology, knowledge, and cooperation.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 5: Establishment of a National Observatory for Society 5.0

In the transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0 and beyond to Society 5.0, there is an urgent need for comprehensive monitoring, guidance, and evaluation of social, technological, environmental, and economic changes. To ensure a coordinated, transparent, and inclusive transition, Slovenia will establish a National Observatory for Society 5.0 by 2026—an interdisciplinary institution that will serve as a scientific, advisory, analytical, and participatory center of the new generation.

Society 5.0 is not just a collection of technological innovations, but a comprehensive social vision that requires constant coordination between different systems (education, economy, environment, health, local communities). Without independent, systematic, and data-driven observation, the transition may become fragmented, lose legitimacy, or remain trapped in partial interests. The observatory will enable regular assessment of the impact of measures, timely detection of social risks, and public insight into the transformation processes.

The observatory will be established as a public institution or in the form of a consortium between the state, research institutions, universities, municipalities, businesses, and representatives of civil society. It will have four core functions:

Monitoring Society 5.0 indicators in the areas of technology, the environment, inclusion, health, innovation, and social cohesion (e.g., digital equality, job quality, and the degree of sustainable transformation of companies).

Analytical support for policies: preparing annual reports, recommendations, and scenarios for the government, municipalities, and key actors in strategy development.

Social participation: organization of public forums, consultations, civic laboratories, and platforms for involving citizens in shaping the future.

International networking: cooperation with European observatories, the OECD, UNESCO, EU missions, and the development of Slovenia’s contribution to global knowledge on Society 5.0.

Citizens will have access to transparent, understandable, and up-to-date information on the impact of developments on their lives, from quality of life to changes in the labor market. Through participatory mechanisms, they will be able to help shape key strategic directions, participate in debates, submit proposals, and thereby strengthen trust in institutions and development. The observatory will also serve as a source of knowledge, inspiration, and support for non-governmental organizations, municipalities, schools, and businesses.

Results and benefits for society

• Establishment of a comprehensive system for measuring the progress of Society 5.0 with 30+ indicators (social, environmental, technological, economic).
• Annual report on the state of Society 5.0 in Slovenia with a public presentation and consultation.
• More than 1,000 citizens involved in the observatory’s participatory events each year.
• Increased democratic legitimacy of measures and strategic decisions.
• Strengthening knowledge, networking, and innovation throughout society.

The National Observatory will become the central platform for transparent and responsible management of social change—a bridge between science, citizens, the economy, and the state—and one of the key infrastructure achievements of Society 5.0.

Specific implementation pillars:

Establishment of three regional hubs (HUBs) 5.0

Locations: Ljubljana (innovation and technology), Slovenske Konjice (manufacturing and digital transformation), Koper (circular economy and logistics).

Content: Each HUB will bring together companies, research organizations, start-ups, educational institutions, the public sector, and civil society.

Functions:

• Demonstration center for Industry 5.0
  • Digital twins for industrial, social, and environmental systems
  • Development of sustainable and inclusive business models

Funding: A total of €150 million (EU funds + national funds + private capital)

Establishment of the “Enterprise 5.0” certification system

Indicators: degree of digitization, human participation, environmental impact, ethical use of AI.

Operational implementer: SPIRIT Slovenia, in cooperation with chambers of commerce and business clubs.

Incentives:

• Tax breaks for certified companies
  • Preference in public tenders
  • Inclusion in European value chains

National Strategy for AI and Robotics that Works with Humans

Objective: to develop a Slovenian model of ethical, transparent, and human-friendly artificial intelligence and its implementation in robots.

Partners: IJS, I5 Institute, UM, UL, AI4SI, DIH Slovenia, Technological Park Ljubljana

Results

• 100 pilot cases in industry and the public sector
  • Platform for transparent AI, accessible to SMEs

Establishment of a National Competence Center for Industry 5.0

Purpose: to establish an interdisciplinary environment for the continuous training of the workforce, managers, and policymakers.

Programs:

• Sustainable Leadership School 5.0
  • Certificate for Transformational Leaders 5.0
  • Modular training for employed and unemployed people

Platform for cooperation between the public sector and the economy

Form: Strategic Council for Industry 5.0 (ministries, companies, municipalities, researchers, trade unions).

Tasks

• Co-decision on strategic investments
  • Guidance on RRI priorities
  • Monitoring progress (annual reports)

Stakeholders involved

• Public sector: ministries of economy, digitalization, education, environment, labor.
• Business: small, medium, and large companies from the manufacturing industry, logistics, energy, construction, and agri-food sectors.
• Research sector: institutes (IJS, ZRC SAZU), universities (UL, UM, UP), technology parks.
• Education system: primary and secondary schools, vocational education, universities, adult education centers.
• Civil society and municipalities: participation in participatory projects (Laboratories 5.0, co-decision-making, technology testing).
• International partners: European missions, Horizon Europe programs, DIH networks, and EIT communities.

Benefits for citizens and society

Area	Benefits for citizens
Employment	More high-quality, green, and creative jobs in industry, the public sector, and the social economy.
Education	Inclusion in lifelong learning, access to future skills, more flexible and relevant programs.
Public services	Smarter, personalized services (e.g., healthcare, transport, energy) based on data and digital fairness.
Environment and health	A cleaner environment thanks to a regenerative economy, greater community resilience to climate and health crises.
Participation	Opportunities to play an active role in co-creating local and national solutions through HUBs and laboratories 5.0.

 

Measuring success

• Participation in at least 5 EU pilot programs for Industry 5.0
• 500 companies with a learning organization model
• 1,000 citizens per year involved in Society 5.0 participatory projects
• Annual growth in sustainable productivity +3%
• European Commission recognition for leading practice in the transition to 5.0

3. KEY MEASURES AND POLICIES

3.1 ECONOMY AND INDUSTRY

Industry 5.0 Act – legal framework for the introduction of human-friendly technologies

As part of the transition to Industry 5.0, Slovenia will adopt a special Industry 5.0 Act by 2027, which will establish a legal, ethical, and development framework for the transformation of the economy towards human-friendly, sustainable, and technologically advanced systems. The Act will define the fundamental principles of the new industrial paradigm, set out incentive measures and regulations, and ensure a fair transition for businesses, workers, and communities.

Industry 5.0 represents a fundamental shift in industrial logic—from maximizing efficiency and automation to balancing technology, people, and the planet. Such a transition is not possible without clear rules, safeguards, and incentives that support the introduction of advanced technologies in a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable manner. Current legislation (e.g., the Investment Promotion Act, the Companies Act) does not cover the key values and specificities of Industry 5.0, such as the ethical use of artificial intelligence, employee participation, green and digital transformation, and social innovation.

The law will regulate the following areas:

Definition of the term “Industry 5.0” and its fundamental principles (human-friendliness, sustainability, resilience, cooperation between humans and technology, fairness).

Conditions for obtaining “Company 5.0” status, including criteria for the ethical use of technologies, employee involvement, and environmentally responsible production.

Establishment of an incentive system (tax breaks, access to public tenders, priority in investment support) for companies that transform in accordance with the principles of the law.

Mechanisms for involving employees and local communities in the digital and green transformation processes.

Introduction of a national label “Industry 5.0 Made in Slovenia,” which will represent a competitive advantage on domestic and foreign markets.

Establishment of ethical and technical standards for the use of artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital twins in industry.

Defining the role and responsibilities of supervisory bodies (e.g., Industry 5.0 Agency, National Observatory for Society 5.0) in monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.

Companies will have a clear framework for how to transform digitally and environmentally in a safe, manageable, and long-term sustainable way. The law will give them access to support, advice, and market advantages, while reducing the risks associated with social resistance, regulatory uncertainty, and misuse of technologies.

Employees will be involved in decisions and have access to training programs and protected rights in the process of technological change. The law will protect human dignity and health at work and prevent the automation-driven exclusion of workers.

Citizens will benefit from more responsible, innovative, and locally connected companies that create quality jobs, contribute to a clean environment, and help shape a sustainable society. Trust in technological progress and institutions will also be strengthened.

Results and social benefits

• Systematic orientation of the Slovenian economy towards Industry 5.0.
• Establishment of fair and transparent rules of the game for all stakeholders.
• Reduced social resistance to automation and AI.
• Strengthening the competitiveness of Slovenian companies in the global market with an ethical and sustainable profile.
• Higher quality of life, more inclusive jobs, and greater public confidence in a digital and green future.

Tax incentives for restructuring into Industry 5.0 companies

To encourage the transition of the Slovenian economy towards Industry 5.0, Slovenia will introduce a system of targeted tax incentives for companies that commit to transforming their business models into people-friendly, sustainable, and digitally inclusive organizations. The aim of these incentives is to create competitive advantages for companies that are already investing in the future, while reducing the risks and costs of transition.

The transition to Industry 5.0 requires investments that go beyond mere technological upgrades. They include the transformation of organizational culture, employee training, the introduction of ethical digital tools, circular business models, and community participation. Many companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), lack the resources to make this transition, despite their willingness to do so. Tax incentives therefore serve as a financial catalyst and a signal of government support, reducing investment risk and increasing confidence in the long-term benefits.

Profit tax relief:

• Up to 40% relief on investments in the development and introduction of technologies labeled “human-centric AI” or “Industry 5.0 certificate.”
• 30% tax relief on projects to establish circular systems (e.g., closing resource loops, secondary use of materials, industrial symbiosis).

Tax relief for employee training:

• Up to 50% relief on the costs of lifelong learning related to digital, green, ethical, and collaborative skills of the future.

Increase in depreciation rates:

• Faster depreciation of machinery, equipment, and software that comply with Industry 5.0 principles.

Exemptions from contributions for new employees:

• Exemption from contributions for up to 24 months for new hires in sectors related to the regenerative economy, social innovation, and digital justice.
• Bonus for participation in participatory ownership or cooperative models:
• Additional tax relief for companies that involve employees in co-decision-making and co-ownership.

Companies will find it easier to restructure, which will increase their competitiveness, technological sovereignty, and long-term resilience. This will also make them more attractive to sustainable investors, EU partnerships, and young workers. Lower transition costs will also enable smaller companies to actively participate in Industry 5.0.

Employees and citizens will benefit from better working conditions, safer and more meaningful jobs, better treatment in the workplace, and a greater role in decision-making. The quality of products and services will be higher, and the environmental footprint will be lower.

Results and benefits for society

• Accelerated transition of more than 2,000 companies towards Industry 5.0 by 2030.
• More than 50,000 employees involved in the transformation of the working environment and skills.
• Increased economic growth while reducing emissions and resource use.
• Reduced social polarization through greater employee and community involvement.
• Greater attractiveness of Slovenia as an innovative and fair economic environment in the EU.

This will make tax policy a tool for a sustainable industrial revolution – for the benefit of businesses, people, and future generations.

Investment Fund for Industry 5.0

For Slovenia’s successful transition to Industry 5.0, it will be essential to introduce a strong, independent, and strategically managed financial mechanism that will direct key investments toward the digital, sustainable, and people-friendly transformation of the economy and society. Therefore, an Investment Fund for Industry 5.0 with a total value of EUR 1 billion will be established in the period 2026–2030, organized as a public-private partnership that brings together resources from the state, European financial institutions, and the private sector.

The key purpose of the fund will be to enable the development of infrastructure, businesses, knowledge, and innovation that support the fundamental values of Industry 5.0: cooperation between people and technology, sustainable growth, the inclusion of all social groups, and systemic thinking. This is a developmental and strategic approach that goes beyond traditional investments—the fund will invest in long-term, systemic, and often risky projects that will have a strong social and environmental impact.

Slovenia is modeling the fund on the successful Finnish model SITRA, a national innovation fund that has become the backbone of Finland’s transition to a circular economy, digitalization, and social innovation. SITRA operates independently, with its own capital, and directs investments towards projects that bring more than just financial returns – they create new value for society as a whole. In Finland, this has led to significant results: the establishment of a leading position in the EU in the field of the circular economy, more than 200 systemic projects with positive social impacts, and a high level of trust in government reforms.

In a similar way, the Slovenian fund will be set up as an independent public agency with a board of directors made up of representatives from the government, businesses, research institutions, and civil society. Its capital will consist of €400 million in state funds, €300 million in private investments (e.g., banks, pension funds, ESG investors), and €300 million from European sources (e.g., NextGenEU, Horizon Europe, EIB). All investment income will be returned to the fund, enabling it to operate on a self-sustaining basis in the long term.

The fund will target investments in five strategic pillars:

Digital-regenerative infrastructure, such as smart energy systems, circular industrial parks, digital twins for urban and natural environments.

Transforming businesses into 5.0 organizations, with investments in artificial intelligence, circular production, humanoid robotics, and inclusive management.

Human capital development, including funding for Academies 5.0, digital-green training, and lifelong learning for employees.

Social innovation and local development, investing in companies that introduce social and innovative solutions, investing in cooperative and social enterprises, energy communities, and participatory municipal projects.

Research and pilot solutions, including support for test environments and research consortia developing breakthrough technologies with a sustainable impact.

For companies, the fund will provide access to a long-term, stable, and transparent source of capital that enables deep transformation without the pressure of short-term returns. It will also connect opportunities for co-financing, partnerships, mentoring support, and integration into European development chains.

For citizens, this will mean a better quality of life: a cleaner environment, inclusive local economies, new high-value-added jobs, and greater participation in community development. The fund will support projects that actively involve residents, from energy communities to social enterprises and digital cooperative platforms. Special schemes will be targeted at young people, women in technology, older people, and regions undergoing restructuring.

The expected effects by 2030 include the restructuring of 1,500 companies, more than 100,000 people enrolled in training programs, the creation of 10,000 new quality jobs, and a reduction in emissions of at least 35% in industrial sectors. In addition, the fund will become a tool for strengthening Slovenian technological sovereignty, reducing the development gap in certain regions, and increasing the stability of the Slovenian innovation ecosystem.

In doing so, Slovenia will not only follow European goals, but actively shape them as a leading country in the field of fair digital and sustainable transformation. The Industry 5.0 Investment Fund will be the fundamental mechanism for this ambition – a lever for systemic changes that build Society 5.0: a smart, fair, inclusive, and sustainable future for all.

The “Enterprise 5.0” certificate – recognizing responsible, inclusive, and sustainable industry

As part of the transition to Industry 5.0, Slovenia will introduce a national “Company 5.0” certificate to recognize companies that operate according to the principles of inclusive, people-friendly, and sustainable industrial practices. This is an important tool that not only motivates companies to undergo systemic transformation, but also strengthens the confidence of consumers, customers, employees, and investors in long-term, ethical, and innovative economic entities.

At a time when digitalization, automation, and environmental challenges are shaping a new industrial reality, clear standards and public recognition are needed for companies that demonstrate responsibility towards people, communities, and the planet. The “Company 5.0” certificate will establish common guidelines and enable measurable, transparent, and verifiable recognition for companies that integrate Industry 5.0 principles into their strategies, culture, and business models.

The certificate will be awarded to companies that meet comprehensive criteria in three key areas:

People involvement

• active involvement of employees in decision-making (participatory management models)
  • safe, inclusive, and flexible working environments,
  • continuous education and development of human potential.

Technological responsibility

• introducing human-friendly artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital tools
  • respect for ethical standards in the use of data and automation,
  • digital justice and prevention of digital exclusion.

Sustainability and regenerative operations

• measures to reduce the carbon footprint,
  • circular management of materials and energy,
  • cooperation with local communities and value chains.

Companies will be assessed based on a combination of self-assessment, an external assessment visit, and a transparent methodology developed by the national agency in collaboration with experts.

Obtaining the certificate will be supported by the state—the assessment, consulting, and preparation of companies for the standards will be co-financed from public funds (up to 70% for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises). In addition, the certificate will be linked to access to public tenders, the Industry 5.0 investment fund, and tax incentives.

With the introduction of the certificate, companies will gain a competitive advantage in domestic and foreign markets, strengthen their brand and more easily attract talent, customers and sustainable investors. The certificate will also be a starting point for continuous improvement and integration into Industry 5.0 innovation ecosystems.

Citizens will benefit from the introduction of the certificate in the form of higher quality products and services, better working conditions, environmentally responsible practices, and greater corporate transparency. The certificate will enable consumers to make informed decisions and promote economic ethics.

Results and benefits for society

• By 2030, we expect more than 10,000 certified companies,
• an increase in trust in the economy and a strengthening of its social responsibility,
• more sustainable jobs and a more inclusive working environment,
• encouragement for small businesses to transform digitally and sustainably,

The “Enterprise 5.0” certificate will become a symbol of a new industrial era – one that is based not only on efficiency, but also on ethics, cooperation, and concern for the future.

3.2. EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Reform of the education curriculum to include Industry 5.0, artificial intelligence, and the regenerative economy

In 2026, Slovenia will embark on a comprehensive overhaul of its education system, which will include Industry 5.0, artificial intelligence (AI), and the regenerative economy in primary, secondary, and higher education curricula as a key strategic measure for the future. The aim of this reform is not only to modernize knowledge, but also to fundamentally transform pedagogical approaches and values that will shape the citizens of the future—technologically competent, ethically aware, and socially responsible.

Modern education systems often lag behind rapid technological developments and complex societal challenges (climate change, polarization, digital exclusion). Curricula in Slovenia are still largely based on the paradigms of Industry 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 and do not include systemically important topics such as the sustainable economy, social responsibility of technology, interconnected ecosystems, digital justice, and people at the center of technological progress.

A transformation is therefore needed that goes beyond individual updates to curricula. The reform will focus on developing the skills of the future and will be designed similarly to Estonia’s AI Leap 2025 program, which has established the comprehensive introduction of artificial intelligence, ethics, and digital literacy at all levels of education, from primary schools to vocational education and universities.

What will the reform cover?

Curriculum reform: systematic integration of content related to Industry 5.0—the regenerative economy, AI and humans, the circular economy, energy transition, collaborative technologies, digital justice, and workers’ rights in the digital age.

Introduction of interdisciplinary modules: new subjects or modules combining STEM, social sciences, and the arts (e.g., “Algorithm Ethics,” “Climate Systems and Technology,” “Smart Cities and Social Responsibility”).

Teacher training: national programs to upgrade the knowledge of teaching staff with digital pedagogical competencies, 5.0 content, and modern methods of participatory learning.

Introduction of project-based and collaborative learning: strengthening competences such as collaboration, empathetic problem solving, critical thinking, and social innovation.

Establishing partnerships with 5.0 companies and research institutions: cooperation on content, exercises, and practical projects.

Young people will understand the complexity of the world in which they will live and work, including the impact of technology on democracy, work, the environment, and human relations, already during their education. Instead of being passive users, they will become co-creators of a digital and sustainable future. Their self-confidence and willingness to engage in continuous learning and participate in local and global innovation flows will also increase.

Citizens will have access to a more competent, engaged, and critically thinking younger generation. Schools will become more inclusive and relevant to real life, which will increase social cohesion and prevent digital exclusion.

Companies will gain new staff who understand not only technology but also its significance for people, the environment, and the community. The employees of the future will be proactive, collaborative, and innovative, which will strengthen the competitiveness of the Slovenian economy.

Social effects of the reform

• By 2030, more than 80% of primary and secondary schools will include Industry 5.0 content in their educational curricula.
• Over 200,000 pupils, high school students, and university students will acquire the skills of the future.
• Increased participation of girls in digital and technological studies.
• Higher digital and sustainable literacy across society.
• Education will become one of the key levers for the realization of Society 5.0.

Establishment of “Schools 5.0” – pilot programs in every regional center

As a key element of the transition to Society 5.0, Slovenia will establish a network of so-called “Schools 5.0” between 2026 and 2030. “Schools 5.0” – innovative educational institutions that will serve as laboratories of the future in each regional center for the introduction of new knowledge, pedagogy, digital and sustainable practices, and inclusive community approaches. This is a strategic pilot program aimed at testing, learning, and disseminating education models based on the values of Industry 5.0: human-friendly technology, social justice, a regenerative economy, critical thinking, and collaboration.

Today’s school systems are not designed for a world shaped by rapidly evolving technologies, climate change, social shifts, and the increasing complexity of everyday life. Schools 5.0 will respond to the need for new learning environments where students will develop the skills they will truly need as future citizens and workers: complex problem solving, systems thinking, digital literacy, ecological awareness, and ethical responsibility.

What will Schools 5.0 encompass?

New teaching methods: project-based and problem-based learning, interdisciplinary approaches, open learning environments, intergenerational cooperation.

Content of the future: artificial intelligence and ethics, regenerative economy, climate literacy, participatory democracy, digital justice.

Technology-supported learning: use of simulation tools, augmented and virtual reality, digital twins for solving local problems.

Connection with the local environment: cooperation with municipalities, companies, and non-governmental organizations in real community projects.

Inclusion of all children: emphasis on equal opportunities, inclusion of vulnerable groups, adaptation of learning paths to talents and interests.

Students will no longer be passive recipients of knowledge, but active co-creators of their own learning paths and of society at large. They will develop self-confidence, empathy, responsibility, and innovative and systemic thinking. They will learn how to use technology to solve social and environmental challenges and how to collaborate with classmates, experts, and the community to co-create the future.

Citizens will benefit from modern schools that educate responsible, engaged, and critical young people who are ready to participate in social processes. Social cohesion will increase as Schools 5.0 will be open environments for all generations and communities.

Companies will gain employees who understand modern technologies, know how to work in diverse teams, are digitally literate, and value-oriented. The involvement of the local economy in the functioning of schools will strengthen the link between education and labor market needs, while enabling the development of socially responsible business initiatives.

Results and benefits for society

• By 2030, at least 12 Schools 5.0 will be established in Slovenia – one in each regional center.
• Over 20,000 children and young people will be directly involved in new learning practices and programs.
• More than 1,000 teachers will be trained in 5.0 pedagogical approaches.
• The effects will gradually spread to the entire school system and influence curriculum reform.
• Strengthening cooperation between education, business, and local communities.

Schools 5.0 will become hubs for learning, experimentation, and networking—living learning centers of the future, where technology serves people and communities, and knowledge becomes the driving force behind sustainable and equitable development.

The “Green Digital Master 5.0” program – vocational education for all generations

As part of the transformation of the education system and the transition to Industry 5.0, Slovenia will establish the “Green Digital Master 5.0” program, aimed at developing the professional and technical skills of the future. This is a national initiative aimed at all generations—young people, adults, and seniors—who wish to upgrade or regain skills for working in green, digital, and people-friendly industries.

Industry 5.0 is introducing new technologies (humanoid robots, artificial intelligence, smart materials), but at the same time requires a return to people – to more flexible, sustainable, and collaborative workplaces. Professions are changing faster than ever before, and traditional skills need to be transformed into modern forms of work. Slovenia has a strong tradition of vocational education, but current programs often do not include content such as robotics, digital systems management, smart device servicing, or sustainable production. There is also a lack of programs for the rapid retraining of adults and the active inclusion of older generations in learning.

Modular vocational and professional education programs with an emphasis on:

• servicing and programming humanoid robots and collaborative systems (cobots),
  • management of smart machines and AI-assisted production lines,
  • renewable energy sources and energy efficiency,
  • circular material management,
  • digital security, ethics, and human-centered system design.

Connecting with employers: the programs will be co-designed with Industry 5.0 companies, including practical experience in real industrial environments, which will ensure high employability.

Education centers 5.0: establishment of modern learning centers across regions, with laboratories for robotics, artificial intelligence, and green process simulation.

Accessibility for all generations: participants will not be limited by age or previous education. Special emphasis will be placed on the inclusion of women in technology, older workers, and vulnerable groups.

The program will enable participants to acquire modern, practical, and sought-after knowledge, while also developing soft skills such as cooperation, responsibility, and adaptability. They will learn not only how to manage, but also how to understand the systems in which they will work—that is, how technology affects people, the environment, and society. This will enable them to become active co-creators of new industrial practices, rather than merely users.

Citizens will have access to programs that enable secure and well-paid jobs in the future, regardless of age, previous education, or work experience. Greater professional mobility and opportunities for personal development will reduce social inequalities and strengthen individuals’ self-confidence.

Companies will have a skilled and adaptable workforce that understands new technologies and sustainable processes. This will reduce the costs of introducing innovation, increase productivity, and improve the ability to adapt quickly to the market.

Results and benefits for society

• By 2030, at least 30,000 participants from all age groups will be involved in the programs.
• More than 5,000 new experts in robotics, AI, and sustainable technologies management and servicing.
• Over 100 companies will actively participate in the design and implementation of the programs.
• Reduction of structural unemployment and increase in social inclusion.
• Strengthening regions by creating competence centers and local specialization.

The “Green Digital Master 5.0” program will become the central channel for preparing people for the future of work—work that will be technologically advanced, socially responsible, and dignified.

 

3.3. RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

Establishment of the Industry 5.0 Competence Center (KOC I5.0) – a national platform for RRI

For Slovenia’s successful transition to Industry 5.0, it is essential that the country has its own strong and independent research and innovation (RRI) infrastructure that promotes the integration of science, the economy, and society. Therefore, the Industry 5.0 Competence Center (KOC I5.0) will be established in 2026 – a national interdisciplinary platform that will connect research institutions, companies, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations, and the public sector in co-creating breakthrough solutions for a sustainable, inclusive, and technologically advanced future.

The existing research and innovation system in Slovenia often operates in a fragmented manner, with limited cooperation between disciplines and insufficient focus on long-term societal challenges. Industry 5.0, however, requires a completely different logic—collaborative, multidisciplinary projects that bring together natural sciences, technology, social sciences, and the humanities. KOC I5.0 will enable precisely this: synergies between science, business, and society that will shape new models of production, work, management, and living.

A national research and innovation center for topics such as:

• human-friendly artificial intelligence and algorithm ethics,
• regenerative and circular economy,
• digital justice and data sovereignty,
• smart materials and green technologies,
• inclusive industrial models and participatory governance.

A digital research platform with open access to scientific data, prototypes, standards, and test results, intended for researchers, startups, municipalities, and educational institutions.

Demo laboratories and test environments for testing and validating innovations in industrial, urban, and rural environments (e.g., testing AI humanoid robots in nursing homes or circular solutions in municipalities).

Programs for networking and knowledge transfer between researchers and companies (e.g., industrial doctorates, innovation vouchers, joint calls).

Support for EU projects and missions: KOC I5.0 will also act as a national contact point for the inclusion of Slovenian partners in European development missions (green transition, digital Europe, Climate Neutral and Smart Cities mission, etc.).

Companies will gain direct access to research capabilities, top talent, and pilot solutions, which will reduce development costs and increase innovation performance. Cooperation with the RRI sphere will accelerate the entry of companies into global value chains 5.0 and increase the technological sovereignty of the Slovenian economy.

Citizens will benefit from the development of products, services, and policies based on scientific evidence, ethical standards, and people’s needs. In addition, they will be involved in co-creating research through participatory models (e.g., citizen science, user research, local pilot projects).

Results and societal benefits

• By 2030, KOC I5.0 will support more than 200 development projects,
• involve more than 100 companies and 30 research institutions,
• enable 50+ industrial doctorates and the development of 200+ prototypes,
• establish a national data center for Industry 5.0,
• increase Slovenia’s innovation capacity and its role in the European Research Area.

The I5.0 Competence Center will become a central hub for knowledge, creativity, and responsible technology—an engine of research and innovation that will lead Slovenia to the forefront of the development of Society 5.0.

Priority funding for projects based on regenerative innovations

In the transition to Industry 5.0, it will be crucial to direct public and private resources towards projects that not only reduce harmful impacts but also contribute to the active restoration of natural resources, communities, and systems—in other words, to regenerative innovations. This is a shift from “less harmful” to “net positive” operations, which is essential for building a resilient, just, and sustainable future.

Existing investment models often support projects with a neutral or even negative impact on the environment and society, as long as they are economically efficient. In the context of the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, digital exclusion, and the erosion of social ties, we need projects that have a healing and restorative effect. Regenerative innovations address these challenges with a holistic approach: they promote balance between people, technology, and nature, while building new value chains and jobs for the future.

Public tenders with regenerative criteria: all new tenders for research, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and development will include scoring based on regenerative potential (e.g., contribution to environmental restoration, social cohesion, local self-sufficiency).

Differentiated co-financing: projects with proven regenerative effects will receive a higher co-financing rate (up to 80%), a longer financing period, and priority consideration in the selection process.

Research and data support: developing a methodology for measuring the regenerative effect and developing digital tools for assessing social and environmental benefits (so-called “impact calculators”).

Citizens will benefit from a better living environment, greater involvement in local development projects, healthy ecosystems, and greater social justice. Regenerative projects often involve residents in the design of solutions, which increases their sense of participation and belonging.

Companies will be encouraged to develop sustainable and socially responsible business models, which will increase their competitiveness in growing European ESG (environmental and social governance) markets. Greater access to funding will also reduce investment risks and ensure long-term stability.

Results and social benefits

• By 2030, at least 30% of all development funds will be directed towards projects with a regenerative effect.
• Establishment of 150+ regenerative business models and 50+ community projects.
• Restoration of more than 1,000 ha of degraded land and strengthening of local bioregions.
• Increased trust in public development policies and strengthened cooperation between municipalities, businesses, and residents.

By prioritizing funding for regenerative innovation, Slovenia will develop a new development logic: generating profit through environmental restoration, community strengthening, and responsible use of technology—which will form the basis of Society 5.0.

Cooperation with EU missions, the Industry 5.0 Community of Practice, and Horizon Europe to promote Slovenian models abroad

In the transition to Industry 5.0, Slovenia must not only strive for internal transformation, but also play an active role in shaping the future of Europe. Therefore, one of the key strategic pillars between 2026 and 2030 will be close cooperation with European Union structures, in particular with:

• EU missions (e.g., climate-neutral cities, health, water, soil),
• Industry 5.0 Community of Practice (CoP 5.0) – a community of leading European actors in the field of Industry 5.0,
• and the Horizon Europe research program – the EU’s largest innovation mechanism.

The European Union is moving from the concept of smart growth to a paradigm of transformative resilience. Industry 5.0 is becoming an officially recognized policy and funding direction at the EU level. If Slovenia wants to realize its vision of Society 5.0 while strengthening its influence and gaining access to strategic knowledge and resources, it must actively engage in European development trends. This will enable it to not only promote Slovenian models, solutions, and approaches, but also to verify, test, and disseminate them at the international level.

Establishment of a national coordination body for cooperation with EU missions and CoP 5.0, which will connect ministries, research institutions, companies, and municipalities and prepare joint applications and strategic documents.

Active participation in the Industry 5.0 Community of Practice, including:

• transfer of knowledge and good practices to and from abroad,
  • presentation of Slovenian pilots (e.g., School 5.0, Company 5.0, digital-regenerative projects),
  • developing common standards and guidelines at EU level.

Increased involvement in the Horizon Europe program, with an emphasis on missions that support sustainable, inclusive, and digital transformation.

Preparation of national projects with European multiplier potential, such as:

• regional hubs for Society 5.0,
  • certification schemes for the ethical use of AI,
  • centers for regenerative innovation,
  • learning programs for living in a digital-sustainable future.

Citizens will have access to projects and knowledge that are part of European innovation flows – which means better services, access to the latest technologies, and greater involvement in international initiatives. Local projects will have the opportunity to upgrade, connect, and become sustainable through EU resources.

Companies will find it easier to enter European value chains, participate in international consortia, access strategic partners, and invest in development with less risk. This will also strengthen exports of knowledge, services, and sustainable products.

Results and social benefits

• By 2030, Slovenia will be involved in 20+ EU mission-oriented consortia.
• It will lead the presentation of at least 10 good practices in CoP 5.0.
• More than 150 Slovenian partners will participate in Horizon projects, with at least EUR 500 million in European funding.
• Greater recognition of Slovenia as a leading country in Industry 5.0.
• Increased investment in research, innovation, and human capital, with multiplier effects on society as a whole.

Slovenia will thus transform from a small country into a classroom for Europe, shaping Society 5.0 at the European and global level with its agility, innovation, and systemic thinking.

 

3.4. DIGITAL AND SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE

Industry 5.0 is based on deep synergy between technology, the environment, and people. This synergy cannot be achieved without an appropriate digital and sustainable infrastructure that enables the real-time integration of data, systems, people, and material flows. Therefore, by 2030, Slovenia will systematically establish smart networks and digital platforms for the integrated management of industry, cities, regions, and communities, including the use of digital twins.

Today’s systems are often disconnected, operate in silos, and are based on reactive decision-making. This leads to inefficiencies, environmental losses, and social fragmentation. In Society 5.0, we need infrastructure that is proactive, collaborative, and resilient—based on real-time data, predictive analytics, and the involvement of people in smart management. Digital twins enable the simulation and optimization of entire systems: factories, logistics, energy networks, city services, or environmental impacts.

Establishment of a national digital network for Industry 5.0, which will connect data from industrial devices, smart cities, energy systems, transport, and environmental sensors.

Development of platforms for digital twins:

• Industrial twins: for production optimization, waste reduction, predictive maintenance, and energy efficiency.
  • Urban twins: for simulating traffic, emissions, service accessibility, and cities’ responsiveness to climate change.
  • Social twins: for analyzing the effects of policies, social needs, and connecting people with public services.

Integration with green infrastructure: smart energy communities, circular platforms for materials, smart water and waste systems.

Standardization and data ethics: development of open data standards, privacy protection, data sovereignty, and citizen involvement in data management.

Local digital ecosystems: involving municipalities, businesses, and communities in the development of locally tailored solutions using a national platform.

Citizens will have access to smart services that improve their quality of life, from more efficient urban transport and energy-efficient buildings to more accessible public services and proactive environmental measures. Digital infrastructure will also be a tool for greater participation and co-decision-making.

Businesses will be able to innovate faster and more efficiently, improve energy efficiency, optimize supply chains, and gain a competitive advantage by using real-time data. Access to digital twins will enable them to make predictions, run simulations, and reduce costs.

Results and benefits for society

• By 2030, a national framework for digital twins will be established, including at least 50 industrial, 20 urban, and 10 social twins.
• Four regional centers for the development of smart infrastructure will be established.
• Over 500 companies will be included in the national Industry 5.0 network.
• Citizens will have access to interactive platforms for monitoring and co-deciding on the impact of the environment, energy, mobility, and services.

Smart and sustainable digital infrastructure will be the backbone of Society 5.0, enabling not only technological progress but also better connectivity, inclusion of people, and wise management of shared resources.

 

Social innovation incubators

Development of AI/IoT/Blockchain solutions with an emphasis on sustainability

To realize the vision of Industry 5.0 and the transition to Society 5.0, Slovenia will establish a network of Social Innovation Incubators between 2026 and 2030. These will act as support environments for the development of breakthrough, ethically designed, and environmentally responsible solutions at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and social innovation.

Despite rapid technological development, many digital solutions are not being developed for the benefit of communities or the planet. We need a space where innovators can combine advanced technologies with the goals of social welfare, climate neutrality, and systemic justice. At the same time, young entrepreneurs, non-governmental organizations, and communities often lack access to the necessary infrastructure, mentoring, and seed funding—green digital incubators will fill this gap.

The incubators will include physical and virtual incubation spaces in each statistical regional center, equipped with modern hardware and software for developing and testing solutions in a real-world environment.

Thematic areas of development:

• AI for positive social impact: solutions for health, education, participatory governance, accessibility.
• IoT for energy efficiency and the circular economy: smart devices for monitoring and optimising resource use.
• Blockchain for transparency, traceability, and trustworthy management: e.g., local currencies, sustainable supply chains, social contracts.

Mentoring and training programs for young entrepreneurs, students, social innovators, and municipalities, with an emphasis on sustainable design, technology ethics, impact measurement, and community engagement.

Access to micro-investments and calls for proposals from national and EU funds (including Horizon Europe, EIC Accelerator), with the possibility of subsequent integration into the national Investment Fund for Industry 5.0.

Cooperation with universities, research institutions, municipalities, and companies to co-create solutions with local and global value.

Through incubators, citizens will be able to co-create solutions that are tailored to local needs and promote community action. Digital literacy, confidence in participating in technological debates, and access to services tailored to people, not just the market, will increase.

Companies, especially start-ups and SMEs, will have the opportunity to quickly validate and commercialize sustainable solutions and will have easier access to a supportive environment, strategic partners, and international networks. At the same time, established companies will be able to participate as investors, mentors, or users of innovations.

Results and social benefits

• By 2030, 12 regional incubators will be established, with more than 300 projects supported.
• At least 100 breakthrough solutions will be developed, combining AI, IoT, and blockchain with regenerative effects.
• More than 500 green jobs will be created, mostly in the local environment.
• Increasing the share of socially beneficial start-ups and strengthening Slovenia’s role as a European center for social and technological innovation.

Social innovation incubators will be the incubators of the future – laboratories where advanced technology meets local needs, humanity, and environmental balance. With them, Slovenia will become a place where the future is created through collaboration – for people, communities, and the planet.

Investments in supercomputing, quantum computing, and open science

We are building the fundamental capacities for Slovenia’s scientific and technological sovereignty

Industry 5.0 and Society 5.0 require extremely powerful digital and scientific capacities that enable the processing of huge amounts of data, the simulation of complex systems, the development of new materials, and transparent cooperation within the scientific community. Therefore, systematic investments in supercomputing, quantum computing, and open science infrastructure will be among the key fundamental investments in the 2026–2030 period.

Why are these investments crucial?

In a period of rapid technological change, geopolitical instability, and climate crisis, digital and scientific sovereignty is crucial. Without its own capacities for computationally intensive tasks, Slovenia remains dependent on foreign platforms, which reduces its ability to respond quickly, innovate, and protect its own data. At the same time, new computing paradigms are emerging—notably quantum computing—that will radically transform fields such as biomedicine, logistics, energy solutions, artificial intelligence, and security in the coming years. Slovenia must help shape these technologies, not merely follow them.

On the other hand, open science is becoming the new standard in European research, based on data accessibility, open publications, citizen participation, and interdisciplinarity. For Slovenia to be part of the European research area of the future, it needs to develop the right digital, legal, and organizational capacities.

What will the investments cover?

Upgrading the national supercomputing ecosystem

• Strengthening the capacity of existing systems (Vega1,2) and developing additional regional hubs.
• Development of energy-efficient data centers with a low carbon footprint.
• Establishment of supercomputing support for small and medium-sized enterprises (computing access as a service).
• Linking to European capacities (EuroHPC), research projects, and industrial applications.

Establishment of a national platform for quantum computing

• Support for the establishment of a quantum laboratory in cooperation with academic and technological partners.
• Developing knowledge and human resources in the fields of quantum physics, quantum logic, quantum cryptography, and applications.
• Cooperation with European initiatives (e.g., Quantum Flagship, EuroQCI).
• Pilot projects for quantum acceleration in pharmaceuticals, logistics, optimization, and security.

Establishment of a national infrastructure for open science

• Digital platform for open access to scientific articles, data sets, software, and research results.
• Training researchers and students in open data management, reproducible science, and participation in citizen science projects.
• Legal framework for managing data sovereignty, copyright, and open research ethics.
• Promoting interdisciplinary communities and collaborative projects within and outside academia.

Citizens will indirectly benefit from better services in healthcare, energy, mobility, and environmental management based on data-driven decisions. In addition, they will have free access to scientific resources, opportunities to participate in research, and greater transparency in the use of public funds in science. Open science also means greater trust in research institutions.

Companies will have access to cutting-edge computing power, which is crucial for the development of advanced technologies: material simulations, production optimization, drug development, market trend forecasting, or testing artificial intelligence algorithms. The establishment of accessible services (e.g., HPC as a service) will also facilitate the transition for SMEs and start-ups. Quantum computing will open the door to the next generation of digital capabilities.

Results and benefits for society

• By 2030, Slovenia will be among the leading countries in Central Europe in terms of the share of supercomputing in the economy and research.
• A national quantum laboratory and a program for the development of quantum human resources will be established.
• More than 1,000 companies will have access to digital computing infrastructure.
• A national open science platform will be established, enabling open access to at least 80% of publicly funded research.
• Increasing trust in science, raising scientific literacy, and involving citizens in research processes.

Investments in supercomputing, quantum computing, and open science are not merely technological measures—they are the foundation of a new development paradigm that combines data, ethics, collaboration, and innovation. With these capacities, Slovenia will secure its future and become a reference point for European digital and scientific sovereignty.

 

3.5. POLICIES AND INVESTMENTS

Universal access to digital services and skills

The digital transformation of society must not become a privilege for the few, but a fundamental right for all citizens, regardless of age, place of residence, social status, or level of education. As part of the development of Industry 5.0 and the transition to Society 5.0, Slovenia will systematically implement a program of universal access to digital services and skills between 2026 and 2030, which will serve as a social foundation for an inclusive, more resilient, and fairer future.

Despite digital progress, many individuals remain excluded from modern digital life. Differences in digital literacy, access to devices, internet connectivity, and understanding of digital rights create a so-called digital divide, which deepens social inequalities, limits access to services, and reduces opportunities for active citizenship.

In Society 5.0, digitalization is not just a technical innovation, but a means of strengthening human potential, improving public services, and establishing fair systems. This requires the inclusion of everyone in the digital ecosystem—not just as users, but as co-creators, innovators, and critical thinkers.

Digital basic infrastructure as a public good

• Establishment of accessible points for free broadband internet in all municipalities, with a special focus on rural and disadvantaged areas.
• Subsidized devices (computers, smart tablets, humanoid robots) for low-income households.
• Standardized secure access to e-services for all (single citizen digital profile with e-identity).

Human-centered digital public services

• Adaptation of e-government, healthcare, education, and social services to vulnerable groups (e.g., the elderly, people with disabilities, minorities).
• Introduction of digital advisors/agents (combining AI and human support) at key points: municipalities, social work centers, libraries, retirement homes.
• Provision of a free digital advisor/agent to all adults and all primary school pupils
• Develop social welfare services by introducing modern humanoid robots to support home care.

Digital literacy programs for all generations

• Establishment of a national program called “Digital for All,” which will provide free training at various levels (basic, advanced, thematic).
• Target groups: older people, unemployed people, young people without digital skills, workers undergoing restructuring, people with disabilities, migrants.
• Training will also cover topics such as internet safety, personal data protection, digital ethics, artificial intelligence, and digital rights.

Support for civil society, NGOs, and local communities

• Funding for local digital inclusion initiatives.
• Development of community-based digital social innovation centers that will serve as local hubs for knowledge, exchange, and assistance.
• Cooperation with youth organizations, volunteers, and educational institutions.

Citizens will have equal opportunities to participate in the digital society, regardless of their life circumstances. They will have access to health services, education, administrative procedures, the labor market, social programs, and communication. Self-confidence, digital literacy, inclusion, and a sense of control over one’s own life will increase.

Businesses, especially SMEs and local businesses, will benefit from the increased digital literacy of their customers, suppliers, and employees. Digitally skilled citizens represent a larger market base, a more efficient workforce, and partners for service development. Reduced digital illiteracy also means fewer errors, faster digital transformation, and greater security.

Results and benefits for society

• By 2030, 100% of the population will have a personal AI assistant/agent, access to basic digital infrastructure, and e-services.
• More than 200,000 individuals will participate in digital literacy programs.
• More than 150 community digital social innovation centers will be established throughout Slovenia.
• Over 90% of public digital services will be adapted to users with different needs.
• Reducing the digital divide will contribute to greater social cohesion, accessibility of services, and greater democratic participation.

Universal access to digital services and skills will become the new social standard of the 21st century – the foundation of modern citizenship and a prerequisite for the establishment of an inclusive, fair, and technologically humane Society 5.0.

Introduction of Citizen Labs 5.0 for policy co-creation

Democracy as participation, not just representation

The transition to Society 5.0 represents a fundamental change in the relationship between the state, technology, and the individual. It places people at the center—not as passive recipients of policies, but as co-creators of the future. In this spirit, Slovenia will systematically establish Citizen Labs 5.0 by 2030 – local and national environments for the participatory design of policies, services, and technologies based on the real needs, values, and ideas of people.

Why are Citizen Laboratories 5.0 necessary?

Existing political and administrative processes often fail to reach all social groups and do not sufficiently incorporate user experiences, local knowledge, and the creative potential of citizens. This results in mistrust of institutions, low participation, and less effective solutions. In times of rapid technological and environmental change, greater legitimacy, inclusion, and flexibility in decision-making are key to success.

Citizen laboratories are the answer to this need: they are experimental environments where social challenges are solved through collaboration between public authorities, scientists, businesses, and citizens, with an emphasis on co-creation and co-governance.

Establishment of pilot laboratories 5.0 in all regional centers, which will serve as:

• neutral hubs for dialogue between citizens, politicians, businesses, and researchers
  • spaces for participatory policy planning (e.g., mobility, health, energy),
  • platforms for testing public services, technologies, and spatial solutions in a real environment.

Use of digital tools for e-participation (surveys, platforms, simulations in digital twins, voting, 2D/3D data visualisation), including the use of digital twins of cities or communities.

Introduction of participatory design methods (design thinking, deliberative assemblies, participatory budgets) to develop policies based on the real needs and experiences of users.

Involving vulnerable groups (young people, older people, people with disabilities, immigrants) in the design of policies that directly affect them.

Linking up with European initiatives for civic innovation, such as EIT Urban Mobility, New European Bauhaus, and Missions.

Citizens will have the opportunity to actively co-create decisions that affect their lives – not just vote, but co-create policies, services, and technologies that reflect their values. Community cohesion, trust in institutions, and a sense of ownership over a shared future will increase.

Businesses will be able to test new products and services tailored to real needs in collaboration with citizens and develop innovations in dialogue with users. At the same time, they will have access to data and insights that are key to developing people-friendly and sustainable solutions.

Results and social benefits

• By 2030, 12 regional laboratories 5.0 and one national strategic laboratory will be established.
• More than 100,000 citizens will participate in the laboratories.
• At least 300 participatory policies or services will be developed that will directly impact people’s quality of life.
• The level of trust in institutions, participation in democratic processes, and the effectiveness of public services will be increased.
• Slovenia will become a model of inclusive democracy 5.0, combining technology with empathy and community.

Citizen laboratories 5.0 are a symbol of social renewal: from politics for people to politics with people—the foundation of Society 5.0, where innovation is not created exclusively for the market, but also for people and the common good.

 

Strengthening local communities as hubs of social innovation (place-based innovation)

Industry 5.0 and Society 5.0 are not based solely on technological development, but above all on comprehensive social transformation that must stem from local needs, knowledge, values, and potential. Therefore, in the period 2026–2030, one of the key development priorities will be to strengthen local communities as hubs of social innovation, where solutions will be developed and tested that respond to specific challenges in the environment where people live and work.

Slovenia is geographically, demographically, and culturally diverse. Uniform solutions often fail to achieve the desired effect because they do not take into account the specific characteristics of places—their people, economy, natural environment, cultural heritage, and social relations.

The place-based approach (location-based innovation) assumes that local communities not only have problems, but also the knowledge, resources, and ideas to solve them—if we provide them with the right tools, support, and autonomy. This builds a resilient, creative, and fairer society in which every place is an agent of change, not just its recipient.

Establishment of local development and innovation hubs 5.0

• A development hub will be established in every Slovenian regional center (or micro-region) to connect municipalities, civil society, businesses, educational institutions, and residents.
• The hubs will be supported by digital infrastructure, spaces for collaboration, facilitation, training, and the possibility of involvement in national projects.
• They will act as incubators for local solutions that can then be replicated elsewhere.

Establishment of local calls for social innovation

• Funding will be available for projects that address local challenges (e.g., aging population, access to services, young people in rural areas, circular economy, mobility).
• Calls for proposals will enable residents to participate in defining challenges and selecting solutions (e.g., participatory budgets with an innovation focus).

Training local social innovators

• Developing local “change leaders”—individuals and organizations that can connect communities, manage projects, and develop collaborative solutions.
• Support for youth initiatives, NGOs, cultural associations, social enterprises, and local entrepreneurs that operate in a sustainable and inclusive manner.

Connecting hubs into a national network for learning and support

• Establishment of an open platform where local communities can share their practices, resources, and experiences.
• Cooperation with research institutions and national policies to identify, evaluate, and apply good solutions more widely.

Citizens will be empowered to shape the development of their communities. Participation in decision-making, quality of life, and mutual trust will increase. Local life will become more dynamic, resilient to crises, and attractive to young people and returnees. Practices that promote intergenerational cooperation, the inclusion of vulnerable groups, and better use of local resources will be established.

Businesses, especially SMEs, will benefit from a more collaborative environment, access to local knowledge, and opportunities to develop products and services based on community needs. They will also be integrated into local cooperatives, partnerships, and innovation chains with higher added value. An environment for experimentation will enable them to develop innovative business models.

Results and benefits for society

• 12+ local social innovation hubs will be established, operating independently and as part of a national network.
• More than 500 local innovation projects in various fields (mobility, health, energy, community services, culture) will be supported.
• More than 50,000 residents will be involved in participatory processes.
• Regional disparities will be reduced, the role of rural areas will be strengthened, and the inclusion of vulnerable groups will be increased.
• New local value chains based on the circular economy, supply, and mutual support will be created.

Strengthening local communities as hubs of social innovation means putting people and places at the center of the future. It is the foundation of Society 5.0—one that does not come from the top down, but grows from the bottom up, from every valley, street, and community.

IMPACT ON CITIZENS

Benefits for residents	Detailed description of the impact	Examples of concrete effects
Better quality jobs	Transition to working environments based on human-technology collaboration. Machines take over routine and dangerous tasks, allowing humans to focus on creative, empathetic, and strategic tasks.	Increase in the share of occupations emphasizing emotional intelligence, communication, and interdisciplinarity. – Lower exposure to physical and mental stress in industry and public services. – New professions: humanoid systems coordinator, regenerative economy consultant.
Greater participation	Digital tools and citizen laboratories enable citizens to participate in the design of policies, services, and technologies.	– Involvement of citizens in the design of local budgets, spatial planning, and green projects. – Use of apps for voting, proposals, and e-deliberation. – Community forums within regional HUBs 5.0.
Green transition and health	The transition to a circular, regenerative, and low-carbon economy leads to a cleaner environment, less noise, and healthier lives.	– Cleaner air and water thanks to smart environmental policies (e.g., sensors, predictive solutions for pollution). – Reduction of respiratory diseases and allergies. – Promotion of sustainable mobility, urban gardens, renewable resources.
Personal growth and skills	Inclusive lifelong learning through programs such as “Green and Digital Master 5.0,” accessible to all generations.	– Acquisition of skills for the use of AI, IoT, quantum technologies, and digital literacy. Active aging: older people become mentors and digital ambassadors. – Access to online courses, micro-academies, and local learning hubs.
Access to high-quality public services	Digital solutions 5.0 enable personalization, responsiveness, and greater transparency in the functioning of public institutions.	– A single digital identity for easy access to healthcare, education, and administration. – Use of AI for early detection of health risks and targeting of assistance. – E-government that operates 24/7 and speaks “human language.”
Greater local connectivity and cooperation	Strengthening community projects and local innovation based on cooperation between residents, municipalities, NGOs, and businesses.	– Launching local projects for energy communities, local food supply, and community mobility. Increasing social capital and intergenerational cooperation. Developing shared digital spaces and platforms for networking.
Greater security and trust in technology	Use of human-friendly, transparent, and ethical technological solutions designed in collaboration with users.	– Ethical AI and Enterprise 5.0 certifications as a guarantee of trust. – Users control their own data (digital sovereignty). – Increased trust in digital health systems, mobility, banking, and public administration.
The opportunity to shape a sustainable future	Social models that include individuals as active co-creators of a better future – locally and globally.	– Participation in projects on the regenerative economy, sustainable innovation, and EU global missions. – Influence on policies through citizen laboratories, participatory methods, and open science. – The opportunity for everyone to contribute to Society 5.0.

 

 

4. CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF EUROPE AND THE WORLD

At a time when Europe is facing a number of disruptive challenges – climate change, technological transformation, demographic change, rising global geopolitical tensions and declining trust in institutions – it is clear that Europe needs a new development model. Industry 5.0 and Society 5.0 represent the answer to this need: a human-centered, sustainable, and resilient transformation that goes beyond the mere digitization of the economy and addresses the core of European values.

In this context, Slovenia is positioning itself as a leading country in the European Union in shaping and implementing this transition. Due to its small size, flexibility, high-quality knowledge, developed regions, social capital, and technological ambitions, Slovenia has the ideal conditions to become a pilot European Society 5.0 country, thereby accelerating the development of other member states.

The European Union needs proof that the transition to a Society 5.0 based on people and the planet, not just the market and profit, is feasible. As a “laboratory of the future,” Slovenia can demonstrate that such a model is feasible, effective, and transferable.A new impetus for European development is needed, based on cooperation between the economy, science, citizens, and institutions. Slovenia offers a well-developed collaborative infrastructure. In the context of digital sovereignty and ethical artificial intelligence, Slovenia can contribute to European unity, innovation, and trust with concrete models (e.g., the Enterprise 5.0 certificate, citizen laboratories, green digital incubators).

Planned activities of Slovenia:

• Piloting European missions (Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, New European Bauhaus) with a focus on human-friendly technologies and the regenerative economy.
• Establishment of a European Center of Excellence for Industry 5.0, in cooperation with the EU and partner countries.
• Active role in the Community of Practice for Industry 5.0 and in shaping European policies on digital transformation, research, and innovation.
• Export of Slovenian models of good practice (e.g., “School 5.0,” “Green and Digital Master 5.0,” digital-regenerative economy) to other EU member states.
• Strengthening public-private partnerships and investment models at European level (following the example of SITRA, involving the EIB and EU funds).

Citizens in Slovenia and the EU will benefit from the accelerated implementation of people-friendly technologies, more accessible services, greater social justice, and a better environment. Slovenia’s model will inspire other countries on how to align digitalization with ethics and social progress.

Through European networks, companies will have access to more research and innovation projects, test environments, and international partnerships. Slovenia will become a hub for testing advanced solutions with European development potential.

European society as a whole will strengthen its cohesion, resilience, and global competitiveness in a way that is based on human dignity, inclusion, and a regenerative future.

Global level – Slovenia as a model of inclusive and sustainable digital transition

Active co-creator of the 5th Industrial Revolution and, with it, the global Society 5.0

In a world where inequality, the climate crisis, the digital dominance of tech companies, and the erosion of trust in institutions are growing global challenges, Slovenia is establishing itself as a role model for sustainable, ethical, and inclusive digital transition. With its Industry 5.0 and Society 5.0 strategy, it is not only addressing its own development needs, but also actively contributing to the achievement of the global Sustainable Development Goals ( ) and participating in key initiatives to shape a more just world order.

Why is this global role important?

• Digital transformation without a human dimension and environmental responsibility leads to greater inequality, exclusion, and climate degradation.
• Global trends (e.g., the development of artificial intelligence, automation of work, the ecological crisis) also affect small countries—but with vision, innovation, and cooperation, they can shape change.
• Slovenia has the opportunity to become a champion of digital justice, sustainable development, and ethics in technology—setting an example for other small countries and developing regions.

What will Slovenia’s role be at the global level?

Achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through concrete Industry 5.0 measures:

• SDG 8 (decent work): restructuring companies into organizations based on values, not just profit.
  • SDG 9 (industry, innovation): promoting regenerative innovation, AI for the public good, and digital solutions for inclusion.
  • SDG 12 (circular economy): support mechanisms for companies developing local, sustainable, and recycling chains.

Active participation in international initiatives for the ethical and socially beneficial use of artificial intelligence and future technologies:

• Participation in G20 initiatives to develop a global ethical infrastructure for AI (in cooperation with UNESCO, OECD, EU).
  • Establishment of Slovenian representation in global forums for Society 5.0 and inclusive innovation.

Sharing Slovenian good practices with the global community:

• Exporting the “Enterprise 5.0” model, citizen laboratories, “Schools 5.0” and participatory decision-making.
  • Cooperation with countries in the Global South to support digital development with local impact (digital empowerment, green innovation).

How will citizens and businesses benefit?

Citizens will participate in shaping Slovenia as a morally and technologically responsible country, which will strengthen their sense of pride, belonging, and global citizenship. Access to international opportunities, projects, and knowledge will increase.

Companies will enjoy greater prestige on the global market, as the Enterprise 5.0 certificate or inclusion in socially responsible models will represent a competitive advantage. They will have access to international partnerships, investments, and new markets where sustainability and ethics are valued.

Benefits for global society

• Accelerated implementation of the Society 5.0 model as a counterweight to technocratic digitalization.
• Strengthening global trust in small countries as forces of innovation.
• An active role for Slovenia in shaping fairer, more inclusive, and sustainable global digital policies.

Slovenia will prove by example that it is possible to combine high technology with high responsibility – and become a bridge between technology, sustainability, and humanity in a world that needs new visions.

5. KEY SUCCESS INDICATORS BY 2030

To measure the effects of implementing the Industry 5.0 development model and the transition to Society 5.0, Slovenia will monitor a series of quantitative and qualitative indicators that include economic, social, digital, and environmental dimensions. The key objective is to create a comprehensive picture of progress that goes beyond traditional growth indicators and includes the well-being of the population, sustainability, and technological sovereignty.

Indicator	Target value by 2030	Significance and effects
1. % of companies with a 5.0 model	40 % of all companies	Covers companies that implement the principles of human-centric AI, participatory management, sustainable processes, and employee involvement. Increases productivity, innovation, and employee trust.
2. Investment in research and innovation (% of GDP)	2.8% of GDP	Key to increasing added value, transferring knowledge into practice, and developing advanced technologies. Basis for increasing Slovenia’s technological sovereignty.
3. Share of green innovation	60% of all R&I projects	Includes circular, regenerative, and low-carbon innovations. Promotes the sustainable transformation of the economy and creates green jobs.
4. New programs for Society 5.0	12+ systemic programs	These include “Schools 5.0,” “Green and Digital Master,” civic labs, community platforms, curriculum reforms, and incubators.
5. Carbon footprint of industry	Reduction by 35	Result of digitally regenerative production models, decentralization of supply, smart energy, and green technologies.
6. Increased added value per employee	>€85,000 per employee	Result of automation of routine tasks, better work organization, personalized training, and digitization. Increases the competitiveness of the economy.
7. Increased real income of the population	+20% average growth in real net income	Due to higher productivity, green jobs, lower living costs, and active inclusion in the new value economy.
8. Reduced costs of home care services	–25% per unit of service	Through the use of AI, IoT, and robotics in the care of the elderly and vulnerable (e.g., smart sensors, robot assistants, personalized digital services).
9. Safer jobs	–50% reduction in work-related injuries and illnesses	Technology relieves dangerous tasks, enables ergonomics, predictive maintenance, and a mentally safer working environment.
10. Digital literacy and skills	95% of adults with basic digital literacy	Through the “Digital for All,” “Green and Digital Master 5.0,” and local learning hub programs. The foundation for an inclusive digital society.

 

Overall impact

These indicators are not just statistics – they represent the vision of a successful Society 5.0, where growth, innovation, and progress are at the service of people, communities, and the planet. The key criteria are not just GDP or exponential growth, but well-being, dignity, quality of life, and resilience.

6. A LOOK INTO THE FUTURE OF SLOVENIA 5.0

It is time for Slovenia 5.0 – a society where people are at the center

The vision of Slovenia 5.0 is not just a strategic plan. It is an invitation. It is a commitment. It is a call for courage and cooperation.

In this document, we have jointly mapped out a path that will enable Slovenia to become the first country in Europe to successfully establish a comprehensive Industry 5.0 model and thus enter Society 5.0 – a society based on humanity, justice, cooperation, and responsibility towards nature and future generations.

However, this path is not self-evident. It will require understanding and support – not only from decision-makers, but also from citizens. Without understanding what change brings, without trust in it and without the commitment of the entire community, no vision – no matter how progressive – will come to life.

Without change – a reality that does not bring prosperity

If we do not choose this path now, a different scenario awaits us. One that will not be visible immediately, but through small daily setbacks.

If we do not change our development model, Slovenia will gradually fall behind countries that have already embarked on the path of digital and sustainable transition. Our economy will remain trapped in low-tech industries where wages are low, working conditions are difficult, and the future is uncertain.

Citizens’ incomes will decline in real terms as productivity grows more slowly than inflation and demand. Public services will become increasingly difficult to access because the state will not have the digital and human resources to respond to the aging population. Young people will leave the country because they will not see opportunities for a good life, creativity, and innovation.

We risk having our economy controlled by foreigners—foreign multinationals, backed by powerful digital platforms and capital, will dominate our production, distribution, and labor markets. Slovenian companies will be marginalized, and jobs will become precarious and uncertain.

Worst of all, without the guidelines provided by Industry 5.0, technology will go from being a human assistant to a human replacement. Instead of complementing human work, robots, together with artificial intelligence, will replace people in shops, offices, factories, and schools. People will be left without job opportunities, dependent on social assistance, and without a sense of value, belonging, or future.

This is not just a hypothetical threat—it is already happening in some environments. And that is precisely why we must not wait.

The path to Society 5.0 – cooperation, co-creation, solidarity

The Slovenia 5.0 development model offers us a different future.

It is a future where citizens are not passive observers of change, but its co-creators. It is a society where artificial intelligence and robotics will relieve us of routine and difficult tasks, giving us more time for creativity, innovation, care, community, children, culture, and nature.

It is a future where people – each and every one of us – will be able to express their potential without fear that progress will replace us, but with the knowledge that it will support us. In this future, we will teach robots, not replace people. We will shape technology to suit the community, not capital interests. And progress will not be for the few, but for all.

With the 5.0 model, Slovenia will be a leader in shaping a society that respects dignity, nature, knowledge, and compassion. Such a country will be strong not because it is large, but because it knows how to connect: digital and human, global and local, economy and culture, innovation and solidarity.

It is time to come together

This vision will not come true on its own. We need you.

Every individual—regardless of profession, age, or education—has a key role to play in this story. Teachers who shape future generations. Young people who bring freshness and courage. Older people who bring experience and wisdom. Entrepreneurs who can invest in the future. Creators, researchers, workers, farmers, parents, guardians. Everyone.

That is why we invite you to join us on this journey. To become part of the movement for Slovenia 5.0 – not just as a supporter, but as a co-creator. Tell this story to others. Take part in discussions. Contribute ideas. Use technology responsibly. Be a mentor, an inspiration, a companion.

Because big changes happen when many people commit to them. And if ever there was a time to connect, to dare to think differently, and to build a future that truly benefits all citizens—not just the few, the powerful, and the wealthy—it is now.

The path to the future of Slovenia 5.0 is ready. Together with you, it can become a reality!
                                   

Tadej Slapnik and Lea Škrubej                                                                          
Industry 5.0 Institute
                                                                                                  

The strategic document “New Development Model Slovenia 5.0: From Industry 5.0 to Society 5.0” can be downloaded by clicking on this link.